- Today's Word
Vamoose
[va-MOOSE]
Definition
- (verb) To leave quickly or hurriedly, often to escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation. It’s a more informal and playful way of saying “let’s go” or “get out of here.”
Example
When the kids heard their parents’ car pulling into the driveway, they knew it was time to vamoose before getting caught having a party without permission.
Fun Fact
The word “vamoose” comes from the Spanish word “vamos,” which means “let’s go.” It entered English in the mid-19th century, likely through contact between English speakers and Spanish speakers in the American Southwest. The transformation from “vamos” to “vamoose” is an example of how languages can borrow and adapt words from each other. The term gained popularity in American cowboy culture and Western novels, often used in phrases like “vamoose the ranch,” meaning to leave quickly. Today, it’s used more broadly as a colorful alternative to “leave” or “depart,” often with a hint of urgency or mischief.
(verb) To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.
The editor castigated the writer for missing yet another deadline.
Early 17th century: from Latin castigare, from castus ‘pure’ + agere ‘to drive’.